Colombard

Grape variety	Colombard
Synonyms	French Colombard, West's White Prolific, White French, Gros Blanc, Bardero.
Grape colour	White grape
History	Originating in France, Colombard is a white grape variety that is a cross between Chenin blanc and Gouais blanc. It is considered a sibling of the Balzac blanc and Armagnac Meslier Saint François varieties, which are almost extinct. This grape was traditionally used in the production of Cognac and Armagnac, but in the late 20th century it started gaining recognition as a quality table wine variety. Nowadays, it's cultivated in various parts of the world, including South Africa and California.
Characteristics of the wine	The wine produced from Colombard grapes typically presents a crisp, fresh profile. It exhibits vibrant acidity and pronounced fruity flavors, often reminiscent of lemon, pineapple, and passion fruit. Depending on the winemaking technique, it can range from a light, easy-drinking style to more complex profiles with a hint of minerality and spice. Colombard wine pairs particularly well with seafood and poultry dishes.
Ampelographic features	The Colombard grape is identified by its medium-sized, cylindrical bunches of small, spherical, yellow-green berries. The vine itself is vigorous and hardy, typically resistant to most diseases, and prefers warm climates and sandy soils. The leaves are five-lobed with a slightly open petiolar sinus.